The construction sector remains one of the most dangerous areas of the economy – risk factors here include not only work at height, but also heavy machinery, falling objects, constant rushing and a large number of people on one site. However, EIKA Construction believes that even in this dynamic environment, safety can become a natural work habit, and not just a formal requirement. If we turn back time 30 years ago, the situation is now changing dramatically. Although accidents do occur in the construction sector, people are already becoming more aware and learning.
“We understand employee safety and health not as individual rules, but as a broader organizational culture,” says Audrius Danielius, head of occupational safety at EIKA Construction. “Our goal is to make safety a daily habit, a shared concern, and not an imposed obligation. This means that every team member must not only know, but also actually follow safety principles.”
Culture, not control
According to Audrius Danielius, EIKA Construction’s approach to safety at work is clear: it all starts with the responsibility and example of managers. Each project begins with a risk assessment, clear instructions, mandatory training and periodic certifications. However, the most important thing is a constant dialogue with employees.
“Safety rules won’t work if people don’t understand, why they are important. That is why we constantly talk, educate, and discuss real risks and accidents that have occurred. Our goal is for employees to perceive responsibility not out of fear, but out of understanding,” says A. Danielius.
Strict standards for everyone without exception
The company has a zero tolerance policy towards alcohol, drugs and any safety violations. Control is carried out systematically, and violations are recorded on the digital Dalux Field platform, which specifies deadlines for when the violation must be eliminated. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary measures.
“We first set an example ourselves, so we apply the same standards to all subcontractors and suppliers. At first, there was resistance, but today the situation is changing – more and more companies appreciate our approach, understand that it ensures not only safety, but also work efficiency,” says A. Danielius. When people understand that working in accordance with safety requirements is a greater advantage, even an experienced specialist becomes an additional motivation to work in a company where there is mandatory occupational safety that ensures his own safety. After all, no one wants to risk their health, let alone their life, for work. Therefore, our duty as a company is to create, raise safety standards, the environment, educate and ensure that everyone returns home healthy after work.
Innovation is not the future, but the present
EIKA Construction applies advanced technological solutions in the field of occupational safety. Using BIM modeling, it is possible to identify risky areas even before construction begins and eliminate them at the design stage. And the Dalux Field system allows for the prompt recording, monitoring and resolution of violations in real time.
“Technology allows us to be a few steps ahead – to see potential risks before they become a problem. This not only reduces the number of accidents, but also increases work productivity, reduces downtime, and improves quality,” says A. Danielius.
The most common risks are the human factor and haste
According to the manager, today the greatest dangers arise when working at height and in excavations, dangerous, untidy scaffolding, poor maintenance of equipment, haste or inattention. “It is impossible to completely avoid these risks, but we do everything to minimize their probability – we stop work if there is even the slightest threat,” notes A. Danielius. “Eika Construction” adheres to the principle – it is better to stop work for a few minutes than to risk an accident. Therefore, each employee is encouraged to report possible dangers themselves. “If violations are not eliminated in time – disciplinary measures are applied, because there are no compromises on safety issues,” emphasizes A. Danielius.
Psychological safety and global trends
In the world, increasing attention is paid not only to physical but also to psychological safety. Audrius Danielius notices that this is also coming to Lithuania: “There is more and more talk about emotional well-being, stress management, and psychological preparation of employees. A safe environment must be comprehensive – only in this way can long-term results be achieved.”
Safety is a competitive advantage
“Not all companies in Lithuania yet realize that safety is not a cost, but an investment. Our experience shows that investments in work safety directly pay off – less downtime, smoother processes, greater motivation and trust between employees and partners,” says Audrius Danielius. When asked about the mistakes other companies make that you try to prevent in advance, Audrius mentions mostly formal briefings, untidy workplaces and tolerance for minor violations. We try to avoid this by ensuring real control, strict responsibility and constant maintenance of order on the site.
Almantas Čebanauskas, director of EIKA Construction, also agrees with this idea: “Safety is part of our company’s values. It is directly related to trust, responsibility and quality – the three pillars on which all our activities are based. We want to be an example to follow – both in Lithuania and abroad.”
The goal is for everyone to return home safely.
“The greatest joy of my job is when every person returns home safely at the end of the day. It’s a simple phrase, but it defines everything I do every day,” says A. Danielius.
Facts about EIKA Construction work safety
- BIM modeling and the Dalux Field system are applied to all objects.
- Strict “0 tolerance” policy for violations, alcohol and drug use.
- Regular training, certifications, additional safety sessions.
- The same standard applies to suppliers and subcontractors.
- The company invests in psychological well-being and prevention initiatives.